May 25th on the
Celtic Post Match..."I
told the players they have had a magnificent season and they
gave me every single effort they had today, We lost most the
goals to set pieces and we could have scored a few ourselves,
but there wasn't a player out there who didn't give me
100%." Match
Report Here

May 24th on the
Celtic Pre Match..."It's
been going on all week. I was even offered an all-expenses
paid trip to Seville for a couple of days. It was obviously
done in good fun because of the situation and at the Scottish
sports writers' dinner on Sunday there were brown envelopes
flying about and drinks being bought for me and (Dunfermline
boss) Jimmy Calderwood. But it was all good banter and in good
nature and seriously, I have got to think about Kilmarnock. We
have to be better prepared than we have been in our last
couple of games when we have given ourselves too much to do.We
responded well coming back from 2-0 down at Dunfermline but
you don't always get away with that against the Old Firm."

May 17th on the
Pars Post Match..."We need a couple of miracles
now if we are to make it,
but if it's not to be then we can be proud of what we have
done over the last five or six weeks. The players deserve a
lot of credit for the way they clawed into Hearts' lead over
us and their attitudes this season have been excellent. We
knew we had to gamble in the second half to get back into the
game and we got some luck but it would have been easier if we
hadn't had a slack 20 minutes at the start." Match
Report Here

May 16th on the
Pars Pre Match..."We'll
learn from the defeat on Sunday for the next time we go there
and we'll have a chance to bounce back on Saturday. If we win
that and Rangers manage to beat Hearts at Tynecastle then
there's only a point of difference going into the last game.
It always looked like we were going to go into the last game
four points adrift so who knows. I just hope we get the chance
to go into the last game with something to play for. We're
working on the basis that Celtic will be coming to Rugby Park
on the last day still with a chance of winning the league so
we want to go into it with a chance of a UEFA place. But
before that we have to win at Dunfermline because if we don't
win then the last game of the season will mean nothing for us.
I'd be very surprised if Rangers rack up a few goals at
Tynecastle so it's going to go to the last game.

Dunfermline might be viewed as the easier option in
Killie's final two games. I wouldn't be disrespectful towards Dunfermline.
They've been up there all year and it's only in the latter stages of the
season that they've had a bad run. They're always tough opponents and
Hearts only won there with a penalty recently and other teams have found
it hard to get results there and we're no different. They might be
fighting with Dundee to get the fifth spot and it's their last game at
home and they'll want to go out with a win. But we've done well away from
home this season outside the Old Firm. So we've got to go there and put
the Rangers result out of our minds."

May 14th on
Killie's season... "No matter what happens now,
it's been a terrific season for us considering it's a fairly
new team we've put together.We've
blended the experienced boys we've brought in with the young
boys already here and we've been a difficult side to beat, not
only at Rugby Park but away from home as well."

May 14th on Squad
Planning... "Like every manager, you want to go on and
improve things but with money so tight, it's very difficult, but we'll see
what we can do.We had six goalkeepers and
Gordon Marshall and Colin Stewart were let go simply for financial
reasons.But I've not got any experienced
strikers, so I've made offers to Andy McLaren and Gary McSwegan who have
intimated that they want to stay.If someone
comes in and makes them a better offer then I have to accept that but
we're hopeful we can keep them. But that's all the money that I have to
play with.Any new signings for next season will
depend on if either Andy or Gary leave. If they do, then I'll look to
bring in an experienced striker to replace them.
There's no time frame for them making their decision but the earlier they
decide, the better."

May 11th on the
Rangers Post Match..."I don't think Rangers
have played as well as that all season.
I have seen them a few times. I thought we were
brilliant - for the first five seconds. We seem to have a
complex about coming here. We didn't do well the last time and
we were nothing like the side we have been this year. Rangers
were different class today and I was delighted to get away
with 4-0 because they had a hatful of chances. If they do
finish level with Celtic, they could have easily have made it
no play-off today with the number of goals they could have
got. They were awesome." Match
Report Here

May 9th McLaren &
McSwegan staying with Killie..."I think they
want to stay and at the moment they are thinking about the
offers we have made. There is a possibility they will go
elsewhere but hopefully we can re-sign both. Players are
realistic and know that money is tight at virtually every club
now. They have to decide if they are happy at Kilmarnock or if
they want a few extra hundred pounds to move on. Only they can
decide that."

May 8th on the
goalkeeping situation Vs Rangers..."I
sat down with Gordon and he told me that he'd be happy to play
in the final three games if he was fit and selected. That is
all I expect from a man who has been a superb professional
throughout his entire career. There is no chance he would go
off in a huff just because there wasn't a new deal there for
him. Gordon knows that this wasn't a football decision because
he's had another good season. It's purely financial and the
same goes for Colin Stewart who has been really unlucky.
Gordon will play against Rangers and I would imagine that
Colin will be on the bench."

May 7th on the
Rangers
Pre Match..."We have
recorded a record number of wins, while we have a couple of
strikers in double figures. But it is not finished and we are
still hoping to catch Hearts, especially after beating them
last week. We have got to be prepared and go and give it our
best shot. They are a side that knows what they have to do. So
they will be fired up for this one and desperate not to slip
up against us.

There has been some good news on the injury front
with some big names on the way back. Gary McSewgan took studs down the
Achilles and missed the Dundee game but he is back in training. Greg
Shields had a groin strain and is just back training, so they are looking
promising for Ibrox. We also have a few of the younger players recovering
from knocks, including Stevie Murray. Hearts are well in front on
goal difference but they have players suspended and you never
know what might happen when you play the Old Firm. It is
important we do not lose and early goal and hopefully we can
keep their fans quiet."

May 3rd on the Hearts
Post Match... "Hearts are a strong team,
they're organised and they are difficult to
break down. Things were getting a bit hairy for a spell in the
second half but you want your players to compete for the ball
and I'm pleased they did that without getting involved in
anything and kept their heads. I didn't really see what
happened for the second sending off but it would have been
better if the referee had let the game continue because then
we would have had a real chance at goal. The win keeps it
alive but I would still rather be in Hearts' position. I
thought we were excellent in the first half and I don't think
anyone could have complaints about us winning today." Match
Report Here

May 2nd on the Hearts
Pre Match..."Last week we had to win at Dundee
to give ourselves hope and we did that so although Hearts are
still in the driving seat a win for us will keep it alive. Our
task is similar to Celtic's last week in that if they win it
is all over. It could go to the last day of the season but for
that to happen we have got to win tomorrow.''

April 30th on squad
planning..."I have still to find out how much
money I'll have to play with this summer. It could well be
that some of those out of contract (Marsh, Andy & Swegs) will
have to leave the club and, if that happens, then we'll just have to
get on with it. If it's the case that someone leaves then it
is probably not for a football reason, rather a financial one.
I don't know my budget but, like everyone else, we have to be
extremely careful. If I wanted to sign one or two players,
then some others would have to move on to accommodate them. I
have only so much to offer and, while there may be some people
I want to keep, it might be the case that it is difficult to
do that. I will find out the budget soon and then work
out what I will do from then on. It would be nice if we could
get a couple more thousand at every home game. That would make
a big difference

April 29th on next
weeks Hearts match..."We are the only team that
can catch Hearts for third place, so getting the win today was
very important. We play them next week so it's going to be a
massive game for us and we have to win against them if we are
going to make it to Europe."Make
no mistake about it, Hearts will bring through a sizeable
crowd and it would be great if our lads had the majority of
the support on the day...that will be a really important
factor. If we win this win then we are only four points behind
them and they can be caught." More

April 27th on the
Dee Post Match..."When you look at the two
players Dundee had missing - the two Georgians who are talented
footballers - and the fact that we were without Steve Fulton,
you can maybe see why this game was not as good as the last
one we played here. That's no disrespect to the guys who came
into the team, they all did very well, but it wasn't a great
game and things can just get a bit frustrating at this stage
of the season." Match
Report Here

April 27th on the 2002-03
season..."Finishing in the top
four is our main target now. When I took over at Rugby Park
last year there wasn't much time to blend the team. And the
doubters were quick to circle when we had a difficult spell
early on. But with the mixture of youth and experience we have
here I knew the side would come together and they have done
superbly well. I have also managed to cut down the wage bill
by £300,000 and still produce one of the best seasons in the
club's history. We have to be proud of the progress we have
made."

April 26th on Players
Contracts..."I've not really
been able to do anything about contracts. How can you offer
players (Gordon Marshall, Andy McLaren and Gary McSwegan all
expire this summer) something now when we could offer them
something better if we make it into Europe? There's no doubt I
would like to keep all of them but it's a question of whether
we can offer them an attractive enough deal."

April 25th on the UEFA
Cup "MIx-Up"..."If we'd known
from the outset that finishing fourth wouldn't qualify us for
Europe then there would have been no problem. The system was
fine when there was still a European Cup Winners, Cup but
that's been done away with so I don't understand why we keep
the same qualification format. I've no gripe with the team who
wins the Scottish Cup going into Europe and if Dundee beat
Rangers they will deserve to be there. But for the runners-up
to take the final UEFA Cup spot ahead of a team who has done
well over 38 games is not right. Hearts are in the driving
seat and can only throw it away now."

April 25th on the Dee Pre Match..

"

Young
Colin Stewart did very well for us when he came in
against
Hibs. But then
against
Celtic we felt it was a game where we needed experience. We now have
five games left which are very important and we still have a chance of
catching Hearts. So, in the circumstances, big Marsh has the experience
and we have to use that. However, it may have been a different kettle of
fish if we didn't have five big games left. Colin might get an opportunity
when the circumstances change. I feel we have had a
good season and all we will do is concentrate on finishing as high as we
can."

April 13th on the
Celtic Post Match..."We have come
here and got beat
5-0 and it was going on 10, They never looked anything
like organised. They were a lot better and we were
better organised defensively, but we never created chances in
the last third which was a bit disappointing." Match
Report Here

April 12th on the
Celtic Pre Match... "They have still got their
eyes on the championship as well as the Uefa Cup and won't let go of it
easily.They cannot afford any more slip-ups so they will be eager to pick
up a win this weekend. It will still be a tough game for us but our
consistent form in recent weeks will put us in good stead. We are a lot
stronger than we were on the last occasion we went there and we have a lot
more belief in ourselves. We have to make it difficult for them and cause
problems. You don't get many chances to score at Parkhead so we have to
take them. We have to give a good account of ourselves and, if we do that,
we will have a chance. If we don't do it, they will hurt us. It's as
simple as that. We need every single player playing at the top of their
game which you have to have at Parkhead and Ibrox. We have to believe to
give ourselves any chance to get something."

April 11th on Match
Scheduling...This will be
us moving back to Sundays again this weekend at Celtic. I
understand the reasons why it is with Celtic involved in the
UEFA Cup and we accept that. But it is not me who decides
it."But it was nice to go back to the traditional
Saturday kick-off against Hibernian last weekend. The crowd
was a bit better for the game coming in and it felt like a
game. But the timing is nothing to do with us. It is not
ideal to switch days but it is a chicken and egg situation.
Clubs need television money and that dictates when games are
played. But it has been a real stop-start season with the
winter break, Euro 2004 qualifiers and Scottish Cup
weekends"

April 5th on the
Hibs Post Match..."We scored a great
opening goal (McDonald's first for the club)
and
it just got better and better after that. I couldn't ask for
anymore, We've had good away performances at Livingstone and
Dunfermline this season but this was the best home display
since I came to Rugby Park. All credit to the team for a great
performance and now we just have to keep playing the way we
did against Hibs to keep trying for third sport in the SPL,
which would guarantee us European football next season." Match
Report Here

April 4th on the
Hibs Pre Match..."We are guaranteed a
place in the top six and our agenda is to keep winning and put
pressure on Hearts. It is a big game tomorrow and it is
intriguing because Hibernian are in a wee battle with Dundee
for sixth place. Dunfermline are favourites for fifth place
and Dundee are going well at the moment so Hibernian will be
looking to get something from the game."

April
4th on the Goalkeeper situation..."Colin
Stewart has been doing well in training and has been playing for the
U21.The thing with Gordon is that it has been eight weeks since he has
played. I will have to sleep on that one but the key factor for Colin is
that he played in goal in the two matches last week. He has been waiting
to get his chances and we will have to find out some time with Marshall
not getting any younger. He is 23 and that's young for a goalkeeper but he
has been out on loan at Queen's Park before the break so has played enough
games."

April
4th on the 3 Irish Matches..."They
were three hard games. It is pre-season there because they play summer
football. The Irish teams raised their game and I'm glad about that. St
Patrick's were impressive. They have just gone full-time and have a lot of
new players in their ranks."

Mar 26th on the goals for
remainder of the season..."The
target is to try to catch Hearts for a top-three finish. These
games in Ireland are just what we need. There's a limit
to what you can do on the training ground. There's no negative
thinking here, We face the same problems as most other clubs.
The response from my players has been outstanding. They give
their all in every game and show determination not to give
in."

Mar 18th on Colin
Meldrum's form..."I don't
think there's a better keeper in the country at the moment and he deserves
recognition at international level. He's certainly capable of playing at
that level. Everyone at the club knows the standards he sets himself in
training and the work he does behind the scenes. We're very fortunate to
have a keeper of Colin's ability to call on after big Marshall's injury.
I'll be doing all I can to promote him."

Mar 17th more on the Pars Post
Match..."

The
clubs need the television money and you have to accept it. But, from my
own point of view, the sooner we get back to football at 3pm
on a Saturday
the better.
My
players showed character to come back into the game and could have won it
at the end. It is good to keep the gap over Dunfermline
intact."

Mar 16th on the Pars Post
Match... "I went
with the same team as last week because they had
done
very well at Dundee but this week they were the complete
opposite, For long spells Dunfermline passed the ball better
than us and we gave them a lot of room to play in. All I asked
for was a similar performance to last week but we really
didn't start playing until well into the second half. Overall
I think we only played in the last 15 to 20 minutes and the
players themselves know that it was a disappointing
performance. Although we didn't have as much of the play as
the visitors we probably created more chances but I have to
say that the quality of the game was a bit disappointing."Match
Report Here

Mar 13th on the Pars Pre
Match..."If we
do not finish third, fourth might be enough for Europe. We
must keep winning. Anyone trying to undermine the importance
of our game is talking utter nonsense. (Due to the CIS
Final following!). The outcome could have an enormous bearing
on what happens to both clubs for the rest of the season. The
fact it is being shown live on television stresses the
importance."

Mar 10th on a top 6 SPL
finish..."This
point (at Dundee) could be crucial for us, We are now 12
points ahead of Hibs, and although it is still possible they
can catch us, it's going to be difficult for them. We need one
more point to make sure of a place in the top six, but if we
keep playing like we did on Sunday, that won't be a problem.
There are a lot of important games coming up, and if we stay
in the top six then there is a chance of Europe — so it could
be a very exciting end to the season."

Mar 8th
on the Dee Post Match... "A
lot of people knock Scottish football for producing drab games
but the teams deserve great credit for the way they played.
Both teams got the ball down and played attractive football on
a very tricky surface. This was probably our best away
performance of the season. I thought we were the better side
in the first half-hour, but they hit us with two sucker
punches. At half-time I told the lads that 2-0 was a funny
score and if they could nick a goal we would be back in it.
Fortunately we did that and pushed men forward, taking a bit
of a gamble, and got our reward in the end."Match
Report Here

Mar 7th
on the Dee Pre Match...

"Steve
(Fulton who missed out last week) has been an important player for
us this year and it is good to have him available again.Dundee have done
extremely well and have gained a bit of confidence since the winter
break.The break has obviously helped them and they have come back refreshed.Their front players, quite rightly, get a lot of praise but they
have strength throughout their side."

Mar 4th
on re-signing Killie's young Talent..."We
are delighted to get Kris (Boyd) tied up. Both
he and Shaun (Dillon) are at the start of their careers but they have
committed to the club. Even when these new contracts expire, they will
still be young so the club is staying ahead of the game. Kris has a bit to
learn yet but he is improving all the time and has a natural eye for goal.
Like a lot of the young players here we have given them a run then taken
them out so they come back fresh. With Paul di Giacomo also coming back
and the two experienced players, Gary McSwegan and Andy McLaren, we have
good options up front. There are still a few other players we want to speak
to as well but we can't do them all at once, we are getting round to them
one at a time."

Mar 1st on the Dons Post Match....."We
had to up the tempo after the interval and, right from
the start, you saw a Kilmarnock team who looked like they were going to go
on and win the game. The sending-off of the
Aberdeen player just before we scored our first goal didn't do us any harm
and, from then on in, there was only going to be one winner. But the Rugby
Park boss was delighted with his team after a virus at the club this week
had threatened to decimate his side. We had to juggle it around,
particularly in midfield. (Fulton out) But I was pleased with the
performance of everyone in what was a deserved win."
Match
Report Here

Feb 28th Jim Jefferies Celebrates
with his management team, their 1 year anniversary in charge with Killie......
Jim's first year report card Here

Feb 28th on the Dons Pre Match......"If
we can get a win, and results go for us, then
we could eventually clinch it,

(a top 6 SPL place)
We have had a good run with only two defeats in our last 11 league
games. So this is a big match not everybody can win, so a top six
place could be clinched
"Our run started at Aberdeen
when Gary McSwegan got
the only goal in a midweek game.
That followed the defeat by Jags, after which I brought the players
in on the Sunday for a talk. A few things were said - subsequently we put
Andy McLaren and Gary together up front for the first time, and it has
paid off."

Feb 27th on the teams
consistency..."First
and foremost we are looking at a top six slot and then we can think about
Europe. We have had a good run recently
with just two defeats in our last 11 league games.
So with seven wins and two draws that has
seen us pick up 23 points from 33. That's not a bad record.
We have been fairly consistent and, of
course, we are disappointed when we lose, but when you look at the bigger
picture we have done well. We have gone
about our business quietly and collectively. Every-one has worked hard.
There is no doubt that the turning point
came after the defeat by Partick Thistle. We sat down and had a long talk
about it and went from there." More

Feb 25th on Killie's League
Position..."Sunday was a big
step for us in terms of the top six, and as each game passes, you make it
harder for the other teams to catch you. But you don't get into Europe
unless you get into the top six first. If we can get a result at Aberdeen
this weekend then we are in a decent position for the top six. Two wins
can put you right in there and two defeats can put you down a bit. So
there is a long way to go."

Feb 23rd on the Jags Post Match...
"The game should have been over at half-time and it should have
been 3-0 by then. James Fowler had a golden opportunity but was
unfortunate that his shot came off the post. Gary
McSwegan should have buried one - he could have taken a touch and walked
it in - and then he missed one just after the break. But Partick changed
their tactics and just lumped the ball forward because they knew that we
were outplaying them. They didn't get any chances but they got a lot of
set-pieces and had some excellent delivery which made it very difficult
for us to defend. We were tested by some quality crosses so credit to the
players who showed a determination to get through it. Match
Report Here

Feb 21st on the Jags Pre Match..."The
last time we lost 3-0 it sparked off a great run of results which saw us
climb up the table into a European spot. Hopefully, the defeat in our last
match at Hearts can set us off again and we can start to open up a gap on
Dunfermline. The Thistle defeat in November was the most disappointing
moment of the season as we capitulated after going a goal behind. We
spoke frankly after the game and the reaction from the players since then
has been terrific. We are in a good position at the moment and with our
game in hand, we can go three points clear of Dunfermline. Our first
target this season was to get in the top six and now our next aim has to
be Europe. The situation is in our own hands now as we still have to play
both Hibs and Dunfermline before the league splits in April."

Feb 14th on the Jags Pre
Match....(This match was postponed)..."It
was quite a tight game until Partick scored. (the last time we played
them)
Then we fell apart and they went on to win easily. We spoke about it
afterwards and I made it clear it was not acceptable - and the players
responded. We have only lost twice in the league since then, to Rangers
and Hearts, and another three points tomorrow would go a long way towards
reaching the top six. They were something of an unknown quantity when they
came up and they work hard. I think they have got it takes to stay up
because they are well-organised and committed. The team that comes up from
the First Division is always the one many predict will go straight back
down and they have a desire to prove people wrong. The good thing about
last week was that other results went in our favour in the race for the
top six."

Feb 8th on the Hearts Post
Match..."Hearts were more
competitive than us from the start so we have no
complaints. The best team on the day won. The whole game changed when Alan
Maybury scored just after half time but it was disappointing that none of
our players came and closed him down. Then at the second goal none of our
defenders made any effort to help their goalkeeper. With all due
respect to Mark De Vries he isn't the quickest at turning but he had time
to get the ball down, turn and get his strike in on goal. Having said that
it was unusual for us because lately we have been defending very well. But
once Hearts scored they took control of the game and we were never at the
races." Match
Report Here

Feb 1st on the Livingston Post
Match... "In my opinion Stevie Fulton was man of the
match. He controlled the game, especially in the first half and some of
his work was different class. I had Stevie at Falkirk and Hearts and I
know that he is quality. The other players appreciate him and he makes us
play and he had an
outstanding game for us here. Maybe it's a clause in his contract. I'm a
lover of Stevie and it won't be me who lets him down it will be himself.
He's got to make sure he keeps himself fit, because when he is fit there's
not many better in Scotland. He's got great strength, passing ability and
has a great footballing brain . It's only a problem when he can't get
around the pitch and lets himself go. But I've got to say that's not been
a problem for us. Stevie has done it for himself and he has to continue to
do it. Before you make Europe you have to make it into the top six but if
you keep winning your games with matches running out then it makes it hard
for teams below you to catch up. But if we play like we did against
Livingston, then no one can say that we don't have a chance." Match Report Here

Jan 29th on Motherwell Post
Match...."There's
no doubt their goalkeeper was silly and he paid the penalty. We got the
chance and we took it. It was so blatant and everybody in the ground could
see it. For some reason
he took a brainstorm and it was right in front of the referee. So he had
to go and they can't have any complaints about that. If any team deserved
to win, it was Kilmarnock. We dominated the game against a team who came
to frustrate us and make it difficult for us to break them down. There
wasn't a lot of chances but we were the team who tried to get the ball
down and play. They were never a threat to us and without James McFadden
they came here trying not to lose the game. They won on Saturday with a
penalty here but this time they lost it with a penalty. But you get games
like that and you just have to grind the result out."

Jan 28th on
Killie's Goalkeeping Situation..."Although
the medical people were ready (for Gordon Marshall who has a shoulder
injury) , there was no operating theatre time available, so Marsh played
for us in the 1-0 defeat by Motherwell in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.
He didn't let us down but he has been feeling the effects of this
tendon problem after games. Rather than let it worsen he is going in for
an exploratory operation and, if they determine what is wrong, then they
will correct it there and then.
It is a blow but, of course, it means an opportunity for Colin
Meldrum to take over and show what he can do in the next few games.
"Big Marsh cannot go on forever, so it is a good chance for Colin
to show he is up for the challenge.
He has played a few games for me before and, of course, he has
played in a lot of Premier games. So it is not as if we are throwing in a
youngster. Colin has been patient and
waited his time, and now it has come."

Jan 28th on Motherwell Pre Match..."There
was some confusion over Chris's availability, and we are also without Andy
McLaren, who is also suspended. Added to
all that, we have Peter Canero, Sean Hessey, Jesus Sanjuan and Gary Locke
out, while Gary McSwegan is to have a last-minute fitness test. He trained
with us, but felt a hamstring and so it will be a late decision. Barry
(McLaughlin) did well when he came on and he will be in the squad along
with Freddie Dindeleux, who has had a a hamstring injury. There are plenty
of players available, but the financial situation means we cannot go down
that road and we have just got to accept it.

Jan 27th on Motherwell Pre
Match...."That
defeat by Motherwell is in the past now. (cup
on Sat)
We face them again this week and we can get a lift if we go out and
make up for the cup loss.
If we win the League match on Wednesday then it will help us in our
efforts for a European place as well. It is disappointing as I thought we
were going pretty well heading to the break"

Jan 25th on the Motherwell Cup
Post Match..."You're always
worried that after a few weeks off
you don't come back as strong. We had a few players out there today who
just didn't perform. It might have been the same for Motherwell because I
don't think either side deserved to win the match. The rules state that if
you challenge from the back it's an automatic (on the dismissal of
defender Chris Innes) booking so I suppose the referee got it right. It's
a big help to the club (financially) and the players and the long cup run
makes things a bit easier (cash-flow) for all concerned. But all
credit to Motherwell they worked hard." Match Report Here

Jan 24th on AGM indicating cuts
needing to be made..."We are
working to a tight budget and even though five players have left, the wage
bill has not been drastically reduced, But I'm quite happy with the squad
I've got as we have a good balance between young and experienced players,
right now we are not under pressure. There are budget limits but we are in
a position where we will be able to get to the end of the season and look
at things in the summer. I'll meet the board, who have gone on record as
saying it's time for everything at the club to be looked at. They have
notified everyone at the club and there have already been changes in the
boardroom. We are four points behind Hearts and although there's a long
way to go, we are in a good position."

Jan 24th on Playing
Motherwell...."That's the
way it works out sometimes. (playing the same twice in 4 days) We know
each other very well and sometimes playing against another Premier League
club can be a good thing. When you play against a Division Two club, as we
found out against
Airdrie United in the League Cup, you can dominate the game yet go out
if you don't get the breaks. The most important thing is to get your name
in the next round, so I'd rather play not so well and win than play well
and go out. That can happen."

Jan 19th
on Ally Mitchell leaving Killie..."I
spoke to Ally and he felt a lot of the players he played alongside here
had moved on already. I said I would use him here and there and left it up
to him. I said that if he did not get anything else, he would be a part of
the squad right until the end of the season. I recall playing Killie (in
97 while manager of Hearts) when I'd just gone to Hearts and Ally was
outstanding. I made an inquiry but was told he wasn't for sale." Do You
remember Ally "Bully" Mitchell Here

Jan 2nd
on the Arabs Post Match..."We
threw it away. We always knew United would be up for it, especially with
the signing of Dodds, but we deserved the three points. We always looked
comfortable and I thought our defence was excellent in snuffing out the
threat of United's strikers. We
are kicking ourselves that a silly error right at the end has robbed us of
two points, it is a hard lesson to learn. I thought there was another side
to Kilmarnock today, we showed real determination and character.

I thought Greg Shields was outstanding, as were all of my defenders.
Again we fully deserved to get the three points. James Fowler made a
mistake and he must learn from it. At that stage of the game we should be
clearing our lines instead of worrying about pretty football. With Hearts
and Hibs drawing, a victory would have taken us right up there and closed
the gap but the fact we're disappointed and going down the road with only
a point shows how far Killie have come in the last couple of months."
Match Report Here

Jan 1st
on the winter shut-down..."We
have managed to get a couple of players back in the last few weeks. But,
by the end of the winter break, they should all be ready to return. That
is one of the good things about the winter break. You do like to keep
things going but the break will allow everyone to recharge."

Dec 31st
on the Arabs Pre Match..."United
are in a position where they have got to pick up points. But they have
made a good signing in Billy Dodds who will give them a lift with his
bubbly character. So we have to be
well prepared for what to expect and we will have the players well warned.
Dodds' arrival is obviously going to create quite a buzz for everyone at
United and there will probably be a few added to the gate by his signing.
Teams always get a lift from a new player arriving but we have got to go
there and focus on ourselves and get to the level we have been playing
recently. If we can go to places like
Dunfermline and win, we will give United a hard game." Jim
Jefferies is named SPL manager of the month for Dec More

Dec 29th
on the Rangers Post Match..."If
we are going to lose a game then we
should
lose in that way - we were a bit tentative in the first half but in the
second half we had a go at them. Rangers had one or two chances to kill us
off because we had pushed so far forward to take the gamble. But, as far
as our work-rate and effort was concerned, I couldn't fault the team. I
said to the players that there is no disgrace in losing a game like that
and we just have to pick ourselves up again. It has been an excellent
month for us and to take something from this game would have been a
bonus."
Match Report Here

Dec 26th
on the Pars Post Match..."Gary
(McSwegan) has had a bit of stick recently but things have started to come
for him and he's started getting goals for us. But even though weeks ago,
when things weren't coming off for him, I'd never seen him work harder. We
had faith in him and he's come good with goals against Aberdeen and
Livingston. Now,
again against Dunfermline, he has come up with a terrific goal for us. I
was worried today with the conditions and the fact that Dunfermline are
more physical than us then we knew it was the type of game would have to
dig in. I felt Dunfermline had a lot of the ball in the first half but
never really created very much and I can't recall Gordon Marshall having a
save to make. In the second half, we created two chances and I felt we
looked the team more likely to score. Again they had a lot of possession
but they couldn't break us down and we coped well."
Match Report Here

Dec 25th
on the Pars Pre Match..."This
is a great club and we have a good squad. We're doing all right and, with
the exception of Rangers, we are on the best run of form. The team went
through a sticky spell, which was down to injuries. But now we have some
confidence. The performance and result against Celtic was terrific and we
carried that on to win against Hibs. Dunfermline are a great side,
especially at home. I don't think many teams outside the Old Firm have won
at East End Park. But we are playing well and I fancy this to be a good
game."

Dec 24th on Squad Changes..."If
the right player was available and we lost somebody then maybe, but I'm
not trying to push anybody out. If somebody comes in for one or two of the
players who want to move on then
maybe it frees up things, then maybe I could do. But if that doesn't
happen then then I am quite happy to go the end of the season with the
squad I've got because they've showed lately there's a lot of quality
here. When everybody's fit we have got a good squad and we can tinker
which things for different opposition which looks good at the minute."

Dec 21st on Gary McSwegan getting an Extended Contract...
"Gary has done enough to earn him a contract thru the end of the season...
and perhaps longer!"...."I had a chat with the board and recommended that
we get Gary sorted out with something. I spoke to him yesterday
about it and I think it was a weight off his shoulders - especially with
Christmas coming up. I would definitely like to keep him. He has been
scoring goals as well but his overall play has been terrific.

Dec 21st on the Hibs Post Match... "The young boys have done well but when you
see McSwegan and Andy McLaren together they know the game inside out and
it shows. I
was delighted with the performance and the chances we created against
Hibs. For the first five minutes or so, they really looked up for it and
managed to pin us back a bit. But, by the time our first goal came, I
thought that it was justified. I'd be delighted if we maintain that kind
of performance, and I'd have no need to strengthen the squad, either"
Match Report Here

Dec 20th on the Hibs Pre Match..."There
aren't too many teams who take points off Rangers or Celtic, so when you
do you get a lift from that. We had a real chance against Celtic and could
have won the game. But we have to get our feet back on the ground because
the Celtic result is only a good result if we can get something against
Hibs."

Dec 20th on Squad Changes..."We
have a good squad when everyone is fit and available and we are like most
other clubs. "We have to work within the wage budgets and it would depend
on whether one or two players move on. If someone goes then that might
mean there is a possibility of something happening. But, if no-one moves
on, it's likely that we'll have to work with what we already have."

Dec 15th on the Celtic Post Match..."We
were terrific in the first half and that was as good as we've played this
year. We did everything well, we were organised and we got the ball put in
the right areas. In fact, but for a deflection we could have been 2-0 up
at half-time.
But
we knew Celtic would come out strongly after the break - they are a good
side. You always worry about them crossing into the box because they have
so many big players. But we defended very well and we got the breaks
which you need against the best sides. We could have maybe even won the
match later on when Peter Canero had a shot on the half-volley. He could
have maybe took a touch and then shot because he had time to pick his
spot. But I'm pleased we got something out of the game because when
they scored the equaliser I feared the worst. But we did well to hang on
in there and take the point which is very pleasing."
Match
Report Here

Dec 13th on the Dargo staying with Killie..."Craig
Dargo has agreed a new two-year extension to his current contract today.
He was out of contract at the end of the season, so I am very pleased that
today he has signed a new two-year deal. We've
missed him when he was out injured, so that [the new contract] is off his
mind now. He would have attracted a fair bit of attention at the end of
the season when he would have been out of contract. But he has shown that
he is committed to Kilmarnock and it's good news for everyone at the club.
He's done well since coming to Kilmarnock and since I've been here he's
done very well. I've played him deep sometimes and he is a very
intelligent player and can beat people, so I'm delighted that he has
agreed to stay and he's now ready for some great years with the club."

Dec 13th on the Celtic Pre Match..."Kilmarnock
have won four out of our last six games. The crowd was affected last
weekend by the Old Firm game and the onset of Christmas. But the game
against Celtic is on a pay per view channel so we would hope that the fans
put their money into the club rather than a television station. If the
fans see results getting better and progress being made then they are
encouraged to turn out and watch the team play. The better the score for
us against Celtic, the better the home crowd will be for our next game
against Hibs the following Saturday. If the idea behind it was to force
clubs to bring on young players then it's a failure. Motherwell were
forced to play a crop of youngsters at the same time and they fell to
bottom place."

Dec 7th on the Dee Post
Match..."We should have
been 2-0 up at half time but we missed a great chance by Craig and I
thought, 'Here we go again". But our first goal was a great. Stephen
Murray did well to get the cross in to Kris Boyd who also did well to
pull the ball down and lay it off and it was a terrific finish by
Stevie Fulton.

To
Dundee's credit, they pushed four men up but, although they had the
pressure, they only created one good chance when Nacho Novo missed the
ball at the back post. We kept the ball and you've got to give
Kris Boyd credit for the second goal. He got between the
defender and got a terrific shot in. I'm pleased because the players
didn't do well in the last half-hour at
Partick Thistle last week. To bounce back with two back-to-back
wins at
Aberdeen then against Dundee is great and we should take a lot of
confidence and credit for it." Match Report Here

Dec 6th on the Craig Dargo
Contract Situation..."I have
spoken to Dargs and he said he wasn't aware his agent was talking to
Preston. Now we will get the game (Dundee Dec 7th) out of the way, have a
chat early next week and then it is up to him to come back to us before
the end of the week. An offer has been on the table for some while now. He
decided to leave it there until he was back playing and he is now. We are
not looking to receive any offers. We would rather have the player and
that's why why we have made him a very good offer. It was made before the
TV deal collapsed so he is very fortunate that Kilmarnock have honoured
their part of that given that the circumstances have changed."

Dec 3rd on the Dons Post
Match..."Credit has to go to
Locke and Dillon. Freddy Dindeleux called off and I was going to play
Chris Innes, but he got injured too. The defence worked very hard though
and they were superb. "The team as a whole worked well and this is a great
result - it makes up for Saturday. The players took a lot of criticism
after the weekend and it was a huge disappointment to let down the 1,500
fans who traveled to
Partick. There were only a few fans up here tonight, because this
was a crazy fixture to play in midweek. Aberdeen should have been given
one of the Dundee teams on a Tuesday night, but I am just glad we got the
points."Match
Report Here

Dec 2nd on the Dons Pre
Match..."I'm pleased this
game has come round so quickly because it gives us the chance to bounce
back from the defeat at Partick. It was a very tight match but we
capitulated after the first goal and they went over the top of us and
deserved the win. But we want to go to Aberdeen and get the win our
supporters deserve."

Nov 30th on the Jags Post Match..."It's
hard to take. We warned the players and told them what to expect - that
Partick would target this game for three points. From the minute they
scored the first goal there was only going to be one winner because they
wanted it more than we did. For sheer effort and the way they went about
their job, Partick Thistle deserved to win by three clear goals. Our
application wasn't good enough enough - it was the worst all season. We
can't complain about losing by three because we collapsed after the first
goal."Match
Report Here

Nov 29th on no Killie youngsters
in the Scotland squad..."Canero
has been on stand-by and Di Giacomo is coming back after a lengthy injury.
Kris Boyd has been a part of the U21 squad and has time on his side."But
it is not just the young boys and I was hoping some of the older lads
would get a chance. Greg Shields is playing extremely well but these lads
are concentrating on doing their best for Kilmarnock and everything else
is a bonus."

Nov 28th on Squad Changes....."We
have a good squad but wouldn't mind strengthening in a couple of areas,"
he said. "There are some players who might want to move on to get regular
first-team football in January. Obviously if people move on there's a
better chance of bringing others in."

Nov 26th on signing trialist
Oliver Risser ...."He will need
a wee bit of time to adjust to the game here and we don't have that time"

Nov 24th on the Hearts Post
Match..."He
(De Vries) hardly touched it and it was a half-hit shot. He had to adjust
at his near post, but that was disappointing. Gordon is experienced enough
to hold his hands up and he was going one way for the shot and obviously
it's caught him wrong-footed. He made a great save after that and then we
had a couple of great chances to take something from the game." Match
Report Here

Nov 23rd (HAPPY 52nd Birthday Jim !!) on the Hearts Pre Match ..."I
had a terrific time at Hearts and a lot was made of me going back to
Tynecastle earlier in the season, when we got a
good draw after playing almost an hour with 10 men. For me, it is the
three points that are important and it doesn't matter whether they come
against Hearts, Rangers, Hibs or Dundee United. At the end of the day, it
is the same three points you get for winning. Every victory feels the same
and it makes it a good weekend. It would certainly be a nice birthday
present. The only thing is though is that my son is a big Jambo so he
wouldn't be best pleased. "I think he would settle for a draw but I want
the three points. I reckon I could stand him not talking to me for a few
days."

Nov 16th on the Livi Post Match..."I
thought overall we played well and felt we were the better side
particularly in the first half. But, for long spells, we lacked composure
upfront despite working very hard. That composure comes with
experience and it will improve in the coming months. It
was nice to get the first goal and as Livingston started to push forward
we managed to catch them with James Fowler's pace. Overall, our two worst
performances this season have been against The Old Firm but you have to
try and do your best. We have been unlucky in games this season
particularly against Dundee, Hibernian and Dunfermline. Many of our games
have been very tight but the players have always remained positive. Last
week's win at Motherwell gave us a confidence, and today there was a lot
of willingness in the team and, as manager, I can't complain."
Match Report Here

Nov 15th on the
Celtic's Performance in Europe..."There
is disregard for the Scottish Premier League from people down there and I
know that from my time in England. After the first Blackburn game at
Parkhead they came in for a lot of criticism, but all credit to them they
never said anything. They did their talking on the pitch. That has given
Scottish football a lift. Football up here is not as bad as what it's
being made out to be by some of the people down there. There's a lot of
good young Scots coming through at the moment and it won't be long before
the big boys are coming up here to try and take some players away again."

Nov 9th on the Well
Post Match....."Anyone who
was at the game last week saw that we played well and didn't deserve to
lose. The players had a sense of injustice all week, worked hard in
training and came here looking to put it right. Motherwell had good spells
and then we had the best of the match at times but I feel the best chances
of the game fell to us and their keeper had a good save from Kris Boyd.
Overall I was pleased by the way the players worked today and we got our
reward."
MoreMatch
Report Here

Nov 2nd on the Arabs
Post Match....."They
stole it. We were the better team on the day. We got off to a terrible
start but the heads didn't drop, which they might have done. The players
were terrific, battling back into the game and scored a good goal. In the
second half, I felt United were happy to go home with a point. I couldn't
have any complaints about my side apart from maybe our final ball.
Overall, I thought it was a travesty that we didn't take anything from the
game because we certainly deserved
it".
Match Report Here

Oct 27th more on the Rangers Post Match...."We
knew that Lorenzo Amoruso and Mikel Arteta weren't playing so we thought
we would come here and have a go. We've been criticised in the past for
sitting in, getting behind the ball and having nothing to offer. So we
played with three up front but we didn't get to grips with the game. We
lost two early goals and, after that, it was just about damage limitation
for us."
Match
Report Here

Oct 20th more on the Pars Post Match...."The
players showed the same spirit they have done on a number of occasions and
it was nice to stop the run of bad results. I was disappointed with the
fans because Gary tried really hard after being out injured. He's worked
his socks off in training and he just needs a couple of goals to get his
confidence up. "

Oct 19th on the Pars
Post Match......"It
was an awful first-half. We have five or six players unavailable because
of injury and the result of that we were a bit tentative and maybe lacking
in confidence because of a recent result away from home. I told the
players at half-time to go out and have a go in the second half and they
did just that. The players showed a lot of spirit to come back twice and
equalise and I thought we were going to win it in the end. Once we have
players like Craig Dargo, Andy McLaren and Paul Di Giacomo fit again, then
we will be a much better team. But I agree with Jimmy that a draw was
probably a fair result over the 90 minutes."
Match Report Here

Oct 18th on the Pars
Pre Match......“From
our point of view it would be terrific to get a win, particularly against
a team that’s going well, and take on the confidence that brings you. And
that’s where the supporters can act as a 12th man for the team. “OK, we’ve
had a few injuries, but when the fans see the players working hard on the
field they appreciate that. It will be a tough game, but we have the
capability to win and move on from there.”

Oct 18th on Sammy Boutal..."He’s
still a bit short of match fitness, but you can see in training just how
much he has to offer. He’s a very intelligent player, but then he’s played
at a very high level with Bordeaux”

Oct 5th on the Dundee
Post Match...`The first
Dundee goal was the killer. It was a good finish from Gavin Rae but we had
six men in attack and let ourselves be caught out. The second goal was
unlucky. It bounced off a defender and fell perfectly for him. I thought
we looked much better defensively today and we can take some hope from
that. On new signing Boutal....``I tried to sign him a year
ago, but he was looking for a bigger deal than I could offer him, He is a
very good player but is well short of match fitness, so it could be a
while yet until we see him at his best.''
Match Report Here

Sept 30th more on the
Celtic Post Match..."The
only ones who did themselves justice were
Paul di Giacomo and
James Fowler. Paul showed willingness to work but is a bit rusty and
wouldn't have normally been in the side but we were forced to play him."

Sept 28th on the
Celtic Post Match..."It
was our worst performance of this season. It wasn't good enough. "You
can't afford to give away three goals like that so early. It was shocking
defending. "When there are two strikers and three defenders it's common
sense for one to be covering."
Match Report Here

Sept 27th on the
Celtic Pre Match...""We
are not flat or down. The matters off the field are nothing to do with us.
We haven't won at Parkhead for a long time - 50 years, I'm told. But
nobody expects us to do anything so if we can get a result the team will
put themselves in the record books. They are a quality side so we will
have to concentrate fully and also cause them a few problems."

Sept 25th on the
Airdrie Post Match..."I
knew when it went to penalty kicks it would just be a case of whoever
sticks the ball in the back of the net would win it. Any time we got
through, their goalkeeper did well so we knew it was going to be difficult
against him. Our boys are human and better teams than us have gone out on
penalties before. We had all the possession and all the chances but you
have to score if you want to win cup ties."
Match Report Here

Sept 23rd on Jacko's
fitness ahead of the Airdrie CIS Match..."Di
Giacomo shouldn't really be involved until Christmas time, but we might
have to put him in. We wanted to give him bits and pieces and help him
with his confidence. But we shouldn't expect too much of him because he's
nowhere near 100% fit. He's worked his socks off since the injury and he
is probably ahead of schedule. So we have no worries about his knee but
playing games is different to training. That is why we tried to sign three
or four players before the deadline. We've been playing Kris Boyd and he's
still a young lad who needs a rest now and again and Gary McSwegan has
been playing recently with an ankle injury, which has affected his game."

Sept 21sth on the Hibs Post
Match..."We
had some great chances in the game and I said to the players at half time
that, if we could get a goal, we would go on to win the game, not just
draw it. We had warned them at the start of the game that we would be up
for it but the two goals we lost were just shocking. I think McManus was
as surprised as anyone to see the ball hit the back of the net after miss-kicking
it and Gordon Marshall made a bit of a mistake. We played some great stuff
and I thought we dominated the game - it's the first game we've made as
many chances as that."
Match Report Here

Sept 20th on Bobby
Williamson..."The
criticism he's had has been unfair and like everybody else with the loss
of TV money they have had to cut their cloth so his job has been made more
difficult. He will steady things at Hibernian, but that will take time. He
got the job there because he had a good track record here as a manager so
they have got to give him a chance to get it right."
More

Sept 14th on the Dons Post Match...""They
will be delighted with the result. "We were so dominant
in the first half but just didn't get the break. The ball did not fall
kindly for us and we were maybe just
lacking a bit of sharpness in the danger area. I thought that, if we could
get a goal, we could go on and dominate the match. But, when Aberdeen
scored, it was they who took the initiative. We did well to get the late
equaliser and maybe we could have just nicked it in the end."
Match Report Here

Sept 13th on Kris
Boyd..."I
told the directors a few weeks after I came here that if Kris learns
quickly than Kilmarnock have a real gem on their hands, He's still raw in
the sense he needs to learn to link up with other players and I'm on the
look-out for a big experienced striker to help him along."
Boyd Gets SPL Award Here

Sept 12th on Peter
Canero..."He injects a lot
of pace and he scored a couple of goals in the pre-season from there. And
that was another great finish from the young lad and I feel he will always
cause problems for the opposition."

Sept 12th on the return of Paul di Giacomo
..."He did his cruciate ligament
quite some time ago and I wanted him to come back in, That would have done
him the world of good and it's nice to have the young lad back so he can
push for a first-team place."

Sept 11th on the
Partick Post Match..."There's
no doubt with the chances we created that we deserved to win this. The
first half was the best we've played this year. We passed the ball and
kept the tempo up. They spent a lot of time chasing shadows and Gary Locke
and Steve Fulton held the midfield well. Partick pushed us back a wee bit
at the end, but we had the chances, although we couldn't get the killer
goal. They were one of the hardest teams we could have played because they
were well organised and they work hard. But the application and commitment
of my players has been great from the start of the season and we have done
well to be in third place and that's been pleasing for me."
Match Report Here

Sept 12th on
McLaren's injury..."Andy put
his shoulder out when he got pulled down on the edge of the box. The
doctor said he should actually come off at half-time, but he asked for
five or 10 minutes, but he went down again and felt it go again. The
doctor said he might as well play on because we were going to lose him
anyway, but he's going to be out for two to three weeks at least which is
a big blow for us. He has been playing really well and when he went off we
lost our shape a wee bit."

Sept 9th on the
Scotland Faroe's performance..."They
got off to the worst possible start and struggled to recover. They battled
back for the draw but they have now got to pull a big result out of the
hat to make up for it. You can't blame Berti Vogts for going down a
different line. But, having said that, there was enough quality on the
park for Scotland to win the game. It makes it hard and they cannot afford
any more slip-ups now."

Sept 2nd on the
team's start to the season..."I've
been really pleased with the boys this season, The
Motherwell match was a really bad day for us but we bounced back well
against
Livi and then with 10 men at
Hearts. I thought that showed the players have determination and
steel,"

Aug 31st on the
Hearts Post Match..."What
annoyed me is that we (Sean Hessey)
won the ball and managed to get it away from Valois and then this happens.
(red card). If Sean did something off the
ball, then there is no excuse. I went to see the referee at half-time to
find out what happened and he said he used an elbow. Sean said he was
trying to free himself so I'll have to watch it again on the television
and see for myself what happened. If he did use his elbow, then he will be
dealt with internally - the same as the others. I thought that we came
back well and Boyd scored a great goal for us. I cannot believe he isn't
in the Under-21 squad - he scores goals regularly and that's three for him
now.''
Match Report Here

Aug 30th on his
Tyncastle return with so many Jambos in the squad..."If
Martin O'Neill takes Neil Lennon and Steve Guppy from one of his old clubs
does it mean he's building Leicester Reserves at Celtic Park? "It's a
situation not unlike my own position at Kilmarnock. It's not important
where you have been in the past - the only thing that matters is where you
are going next and what I have done is surround myself with players I know
I can trust to quickly settle into the team. If I'm successful and they
are successful, who'll give a damn that we were once at Hearts together? I
know some people didn't want me to get the job at Rugby Park but I've had
lots of letters of encouragement from Kilmarnock supporters as well. By
the same token, it's nonsense to say there was a fall-out between me and
anyone else at Hearts. I went to watch them play Dunfermline and got a
terrific reception from the fans. I still have a strong feeling for Hearts
on a personal level but from a professional point of view I know that
Kilmarnock is where my priorities lie."

Aug 25th on playing
his old club Hearts next week...
"I had a good time there and I hope the supporters give me a good
reception. But they know me and they know I'll be determined to get three
points for Kilmarnock. And after this result (Livi) we can go there on a
bit of a high."

Aug 25th on the
Livingston Post Match..."I
said to the boys before the game that after our defeat last week the
result was more important than the performance. I thought we did okay in
the first half but in the second half we allowed Livingston to pin us back
because we made a lot of daft mistakes. But one thing we did today was
show a steely determination and the resilience to compete. We didn't look
as fragile and players like Barry McLaughlin, Kris Boyd and Peter Canero
came in and gave me problems for next week. We should have finished the
game off because we had the better chances in the second half and our
defence was so good we never gave Livingston any opportunities of their
own." Match
Report Here

Aug 24th on the
Livingston Pre Match..."It's
always good to be on the television and I hope this game will be as good
as the two that have already been on. "If they score four then we will
just have to score five. Maybe it won't be good for the managers' health
but I do hope it is an entertaining game. "They like to play and we always
try to get the ball down and do the same. If we play as well as we did at
Dundee United, when we won 2-1, I will be happy."

Aug 17th on the Motherwell Post
Match..."I
thought we were poor in the first half. We
didn't create nearly enough chances and looked slow to the ball. Having so
many players booked early on in the game didn't help, but we can't make
excuses. My first
reaction to the Locke sending off is that he was just trying to defend
himself, but I need to see it on TV. Gary says it wasn't intentional, but
if it turns out that it was then he will be dealt with. What Andy McLaren
did is indefensible, there can be no excuse for that. We were already down
to 10 men and had a good chance of getting something from the game. He
will be dealt with internally by the club. Jesus Sanjuan was unlucky. I
suppose the letter of the law says that he should have gone, but when the
referee books 10 players, it is inevitable that someone is going to be
unlucky. The ref could argue that according to the rules, all three
sendings off were correct, but he never let the game flow and booking so
many players meant that what happened was inevitable. I think he should
have had a word with some players rather than book them."
Match Report Here

Aug 10th on the Arabs
Post Match..."It was a great
game and even if it had finished 0-0, it would have been one of the best
goalless games. It was full of incident and both sides showed the right
levels of commitment. I think my players showed a lot of character to come
back from 1-0 down and they have to be given credit for that. It was a
great finish from Kris, he deserves all the credit for a goal like that.
He just looked up and saw the keeper off his line, then instinct took over
and he knew exactly what to do. It is satisfying to see the subs doing
well when they come on, because there are lots of good players at this
club. Competition for places is important and I hope this is what drives
the players on."
Match Report Here

Aug 8th on signing
Gary Locke..."I've
wanted to sign him from the day I started here. As I've already said, I
think the best is still to come from him. When I left Bradford with about
two thirds of the season gone, he was by far the player of the season.
He's good on the ball, he's got a terrific attitude and is a real
competitor and I think he'll be a driving influence in the team." More

Aug 5th on signing
Gary Locke..."Gary
is a player I know very well. (JJ has signed him twice before at Hearts &
Bradford) I'm sure he'd be a good acquisition."

Aug 3rd on the
Rangers Post Match..."We
were very well organised and in the first half I didn't think Rangers made
that many chances. The referee had a really good game today. But I thought
he made a mistake and from that mistake we lost a goal. I was not happy at
the time but that's the passion. When you work hard in the first half and
restrict them to very few chances it's disappointing to lose a goal in
that way. He made the mistake, he's only human, but overall I thought he
had a good game. All credit to the boys, once we changed things we got
further up the park and scored from a corner move we had been practising
all day yesterday It worked
and Andy McLaren was in the right place to knock it home.On
Fulton... "I felt Stevie was
magnificent. He was in against two very, very good players but he got on
the ball and started things for us."
Match Report Here

Aug 2nd on the
Rangers Pre Match..."It
really doesn't matter. We have to play them at some point, so it may as
well be the first day. Our target for the start of this season is to do
well. If we can start picking up results, we will be looking at Europe.
But we have to do as well as we can and then the rest will follow."

July 27th on
his 2 former Hearts players...."We
lacked an out-and-out goalscorer and that is what Gary is. When your top
scorer and main striker, Craig Dargo, finishes the season with seven goals
you know something is not right. When I had him at Hearts he became a
Scotland internationalist. I know what he can do and I've given him the
opportunity to show his ability, now it is up to him, I have also been
delighted with Stevie (Fulton) . He was extremely unlucky last year,
because any time he came on he turned the game in Hearts' favour - but for
whatever reason he was not a regular starter. He knows himself he has to
work harder than most and with the frustration of not playing, he'll admit
that he let himself go a bit. Again, I told him there was a chance of a
contract if he worked hard in the summer and I don't think I've even seen
him look so lean. The contract is designed to keep his weight down and
when he's in that shape, he's a great player because he's one of the best
passers of the ball in the country."

July 20th on
next season's goals...."I
think every club outside the Old Firm has got to be realistic. Rangers and
Celtic are difficult to even challenge, but that is what you set out to
do. You have to take advantage if they do slip up, but it is very unlikely
that the two of them will. You can see that from their track record over
the past few years, and they have spent some money on some quality
players. But the rest can compete for third and fourth and the European
places that come with them. Third or fourth is a good, satisfactory season
and qualifies you for Europe So that's what Kilmarnock will be going
for, along with plenty of other teams."